Reviewed · TOURS
Unseen Angkor Tour & Photoshoot
Angkor looks best through a camera lens. This private five-hour outing combines major Khmer temples with a professional couple or family photoshoot, so you can focus on the place while Male Puth handles the pictures. I like the mix of famous Angkor Wat and quieter sites such as Ta Som. I also like that you receive 20 selected high-resolution images, not just a few quick phone snapshots.
The main consideration is timing. The tour begins at 7:00 a.m., yet the description also places Banteay Kdei, rice fields, and a lotus farm at sunset. Since the experience lasts about five hours, ask the provider to confirm the exact schedule before booking. You also pay for the Angkor pass separately, starting at $37.
In This Review
- Key points at a glance
- Why this tour works for people who want more than selfies
- Angkor Wat first, with the morning light
- Phimeanakas and the old royal setting
- Ta Som, a smaller temple with a quieter feel
- Banteay Kdei, fields, and the sunset question
- What the photography session is really worth
- Why Male Puth’s role matters
- Starting at Brown Roastery in Siem Reap
- Who should book this private experience
- Booking, weather, and cancellation advice
- Is Unseen Angkor Tour & Photoshoot worth booking?
- FAQ
- How much does the Unseen Angkor Tour & Photoshoot cost?
- How long does the tour last?
- What time does the tour begin?
- Where does the tour start and finish?
- Which temples are included?
- Are temple entrance tickets included?
- How many photographs will I receive?
- Is the tour private?
- Is bottled water included?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Key points at a glance

- 20 high-resolution photos included: You receive selected images in digital format after the session.
- Male Puth leads the experience: He acts as both guide and photographer, with praise for his creative ideas and calm direction.
- Four very different temple settings: Angkor Wat, Phimeanakas, Ta Som, and Banteay Kdei each offer a distinct look.
- Private outing for your group: You do not share the activity with other customers.
- $75 price before admission: Add at least the $37 one-day Angkor pass to judge the full cost.
- Sunset timing needs confirmation: The stated five-hour duration and sunset stop do not obviously fit together.
Why this tour works for people who want more than selfies
A visit to Angkor often creates a small problem: you are surrounded by remarkable temples, but your best photographic record may be a handful of hurried phone pictures. This experience solves that problem by joining sightseeing with a planned portrait session.
You are not simply handed a camera and told to pose. The photographer accompanies your group, selects suitable locations, and takes the pictures while you look around. The available comments give Male Puth particular credit for friendly guidance, creative ideas, and natural-looking photographs. One person described a morning visit to quieter temples, while another praised his ability to find good spots and put the subject in the center of the frame.
That matters at Angkor. The temples are not just backdrops. They have long galleries, carved entrances, stone terraces, trees, open courtyards, and changing light. A photographer who understands how to use those settings can give you a more varied collection than a standard selfie session.
The tour is private, so the pace and attention are reserved for your group. That is especially useful for couples and families. You can spend more time on a pose, adjust clothing or positioning, and ask for a different style of picture without worrying about a busload of strangers waiting nearby.
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Angkor Wat first, with the morning light

Angkor Wat is the obvious headline stop. The temple complex was built in the early 11th century and took about 30 years to complete. It was dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, and its scale makes a short visit feel surprisingly full.
The plan places Angkor Wat at the beginning, which is sensible. Starting early helps you see the main attraction before the day becomes more demanding. The first stop is listed as about one hour, enough for a focused visit and a set of photographs, but not enough for a full exploration of every gallery and terrace.
For pictures, Angkor Wat gives you the grandest setting of the day. You can expect broad temple views, formal stone architecture, and details connected with Khmer religious design. The photographer may also look for less obvious angles rather than using the same central view found in every guidebook, though the exact photo locations are not specified.
Keep your expectations realistic. This is a combined tour, not a full Angkor Wat study visit. If you want to spend several hours examining carvings, climbing through every section, or learning about each architectural feature, you will need extra time outside this activity.
Admission is not included. You need a one-day Angkor pass, with prices beginning at $37. Buy or arrange that separately as required, and include it when comparing the total cost with other photo sessions.
Phimeanakas and the old royal setting

The second stop is Phimeanakas, also called the celestial temple. It was built in the Kleang style near the end of the 10th century and has a three-level pyramid form. A tower once stood at the top.
Phimeanakas is different from Angkor Wat because its appeal comes from its connection with the former royal center and its pyramid shape. The description presents it as part of the ancient royal palace complex and calls it the largest temple complex in that setting. That gives your guide useful material for explaining how temples and royal life were linked.
The one-hour allocation allows time for photographs and a short look around. The site can add a more personal, less grand architectural mood to your photo set. Instead of repeating the same monumental style at every stop, you get stepped stone forms and a setting tied to the royal compound.
Physical fitness matters here. The activity asks for a moderate level, and the pyramid design can involve uneven ground and steps. No special access details are provided, so anyone with mobility concerns should ask the operator for current conditions before paying.
Ta Som, a smaller temple with a quieter feel

Ta Som was built at the end of the 12th century for King Jayavarman VII and lies northeast of Angkor Thom, east of Neak Pean. It was dedicated to the king’s father.
This is one of the most appealing stops for anyone who prefers atmosphere over sheer size. Ta Som is smaller than Angkor Wat, which makes it easier to take in during a one-hour visit. Its scale can also help the photographs feel less formal and more intimate.
The best part of the route is its contrast. You begin with a vast ceremonial complex, move to a pyramid temple connected with the royal center, then reach a smaller site with a more contained feel. That variety gives the photographer different shapes, textures, and backgrounds to work with.
The exact crowd levels are not promised. One particularly positive account describes being taken to quieter temples that felt more beautiful than the major tourist sites. Treat that as a strength of the guide’s local judgment, not a guarantee that Ta Som will be empty when you arrive.
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Banteay Kdei, fields, and the sunset question
Banteay Kdei means Citadel of Chambers. The temple lies southeast of Ta Prohm and dates from the middle of the 12th century, during the reign of Jayavarman VII. It was built in the Bayon style.
This final temple adds another architectural mood. Banteay Kdei is known here for its chamber-like layout, making it a good setting for photographs that show passageways, door frames, and layers of stone rather than only a single grand facade.
The route also includes rice fields and a lotus farm, described as having the best view at sunset. Those open areas could give your photo collection a needed change after several temple interiors and stone walls. Family photographs may work especially well in that broader setting, while couples can use the softer end-of-day light for less formal portraits.
There is a practical snag. The activity starts at 7:00 a.m. and lasts around five hours, but sunset in Siem Reap occurs much later than midday. The supplied details do not explain how the group reaches Banteay Kdei at sunset within the stated duration. Ask whether the tour is actually a morning session with an earlier Banteay Kdei visit, a longer day than advertised, or a schedule adjusted for the season.
Do not skip that question. The sunset portion may be one of the most attractive ideas in the experience, but you should know exactly what you are buying.
What the photography session is really worth

The $75 per-person price includes the tour and photography, but not temple admission. With a one-day pass starting at $37, your minimum combined cost is $112 per person before any other expenses.
That can be fair value if you specifically want professional photographs. You are paying for a private guide, a photographer, location planning, direction during the shoot, and 20 selected high-resolution images. The value becomes stronger for a couple or family that would otherwise hire a separate photographer and arrange temple transport independently.
The cost is less attractive if you only want a quick sightseeing visit. The experience spends part of its limited time taking pictures, so you are not getting a long, detailed temple tour. You are buying two services in one, and the balance favors photographs over extended archaeology.
The final number of images is clear: 20 selected high-resolution pictures sent as digital files. The details do not say how soon they arrive, whether they are edited in a particular style, or whether extra images can be purchased. Ask about delivery time and editing before you go if those points matter to you.
Why Male Puth’s role matters
The named photographer and guide is Male Puth. His work receives consistent praise for friendly direction, creative photo ideas, and an ability to capture natural images without stiff posing. One account specifically calls him a seasoned professional photographer, while another highlights his explanations of the sites as well as his picture-taking.
That combination is important. You do not want to spend the entire morning trying to look relaxed while someone counts down from three. The strongest comments describe photographs that feel natural and a guide who takes time to place the subject in the right position.
Still, photography is personal. You may prefer posed portraits, candid pictures, family group shots, or a mixture of all three. Tell Male your preference at the start. If you have a must-have image, such as a full group portrait or a particular temple background, mention it before the route gets busy.
The tour is also a culture-focused experience, not just a photo appointment. Male’s role includes explaining the places you visit, which gives the morning more meaning than moving from one attractive wall to the next.
Starting at Brown Roastery in Siem Reap

The stated meeting point is Brown Roastery on National Road No. 6, Ta Phul Village, Siem Reap. The start time is 7:00 a.m., and the activity ends back at the meeting point.
That makes the early start easy to understand. Angkor visits are more comfortable before the heat builds, and early light is useful for photography. You should arrive ready for a full morning, with suitable shoes, water, and clothing appropriate for temple visits.
Bottled water is included. Food, temple admission, and any other personal costs are not listed as included. The tour is near public transportation, but the supplied details do not state that transport from your hotel is included.
One individual account says Male picked the person up from a hotel, but the official meeting information gives Brown Roastery as both the start and end point. Because those details differ, confirm pickup arrangements directly. Do not assume hotel collection is part of the $75 price.
Who should book this private experience
I would look first at this tour if you are:
- A couple wanting professional holiday portraits at Angkor
- A family that needs help getting everyone into the same photograph
- A solo visitor who wants better images than self-timer shots
- A first-time Angkor visitor who wants a guide and photographer together
- Someone who prefers smaller temple settings alongside the main monument
- A visitor who values a private pace over a shared group tour
It may not suit you if you want a long archaeological lecture at each temple, a full-day park visit, or complete control over every stop. The five-hour format is compact, and the one-hour allocation at each named temple leaves little room for wandering.
It also may not fit if your schedule cannot handle uncertainty around the sunset section. Confirm the route before booking, especially during a short Siem Reap stay.
Booking, weather, and cancellation advice
Confirmation is provided when you book. The experience requires good weather, so poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. That rule is worth noting because photography depends heavily on outdoor conditions.
Service animals are allowed. The activity is private, and only your group participates. A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended, while specific accessibility information is not supplied.
Is Unseen Angkor Tour & Photoshoot worth booking?
Book it if your main goal is to come home with strong photographs and a useful introduction to several Angkor sites. The private format, 20 digital images, and Male Puth’s praised eye for natural poses make the $75 fee reasonable, especially when split across a couple or family that values the finished pictures.
I would not book without first clarifying the sunset timing, transport from your hotel, photo delivery schedule, and the exact total including the Angkor pass. If those details line up with your plans, this is a smart choice for a personal, picture-focused morning rather than a standard temple transfer.
FAQ
How much does the Unseen Angkor Tour & Photoshoot cost?
The experience costs $75 per person. The Angkor entrance pass is not included and starts at $37 for a one-day pass.
How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately five hours.
What time does the tour begin?
It starts at 7:00 a.m.
Where does the tour start and finish?
The stated meeting point is Brown Roastery on National Road No. 6, Ta Phul Village, Siem Reap. The activity ends back at the meeting point.
Which temples are included?
The route includes Angkor Wat, Phimeanakas, Ta Som, and Banteay Kdei.
Are temple entrance tickets included?
No. You must purchase the Angkor entrance pass separately.
How many photographs will I receive?
You will receive 20 selected high-resolution photographs in digital format.
Is the tour private?
Yes. Only your group participates in the activity.
Is bottled water included?
Yes. Bottled water is included.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded or accepted. If poor weather causes the activity to be canceled, you are offered another date or a full refund.
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